Clown/Wrasse Compatibility

[Random Aquarist]

Well, I asked WWM about whether I could keep a harem of small wrasse with maroon clowns. Bob F. said that there was a real possibility that the maroons could kill all fish in the tank.

I know it's Wet Web Media, but this just doesn't seem right to me. Could anyone confirm what he said? If it is true, what BTA-hosting clowns could I use?

Here's a copy of the email:

Cirrhilabrus/Paracheilinus compatibility/harem size 2/16/08
Good morning WWM Crew,
<RA>
Well, I've been thinking a lot about what exactly I'm going put in my 86g (48"L x 16"W x 26"T). I've been thinking about getting a harem of the smaller (3") wrasses of either of the above genera.
First off, would these fish be compatible with a pair of maroon clowns and a BTA?
<Mmm, possibly... in a system of this size, shape... there's a very real poss. that a Premnas would kill other fishes in time>
My tank is tall, and the top of the live rock barely extends past the bottom half of the tank, giving plenty of open room for the wrasse.
Second, how large are harems in the wild generally?
<Of the above genera, species? Usually dozens of individuals... some lower "caste" males perhaps only with a few females per>
I'm trying to form a biotope, so I'm avoiding all fish that only school/group in very large numbers. How many wrasse could I keep in my tank?
<Not many... perhaps a handful here>
Well, thanks for reading this. Your crew has been very helpful with me and my countless hypothetical questions.
TIA,
Random Aquarist
<Welcome. Less random BobF>

 

[gberry]

I've yet to see a maroon kill another fish, unless it was a conspecific. They will defend their host anemone (if they have one) and the immediate area around that. My maroon pair ignores the dwarf angel, tang, blenny, and butterfly in my tank and only show any interest in defending their turf at all towards other damsels, those being blue-green chromis and a yellow tailed blue damsel. Their aggression consists of chasing the other damsels away, no biting or tearing of fins.

As far as BTA compatible fish, the only fish I'd look long and hard at before introducing them into my tank with my BTA would be certain types of butterfly fish which can consume anemones as part of their normal diet.

I did at one time have a Six Line Wrasse in the same tank as my maroons and they ignored one another, the wrasse was fun to watch, especially if he saw his reflection in the side of the tank, unfortunately he went carpet surfing

 

[crpeck]

Only problem I had with clowns, BTA and wrasses is that when the wrasse was introduced to the tank, it totally disrupted the clowns from their spawning routine and Mamma clown got pretty stressed over it.

The clowns had been spawning every 12 days like clockwork. After the wrasse came, the nests started disappearing by the first or second day. I never saw the wrasse eating eggs so am not sure what the problem was. Momma Clown acted stressed, started getting popeye now and then and finally quit laying altogether.

Lost the wrasse (sad story) and within a month or so the clowns started spawning again and are back on schedule.

Could all be coincidence but the timing sure seems to fit that there was some cause and effect going on.

 

[serum153]

My maroon was being hassled by a six line which was 1/2 it's size. He would always nip at the maroon...Needless to say I haven't seen my six line in at least a month. Knowing that my water params are perfect and the wrasse couldn't have jumped out, I know who had the last laugh.